germ cell

American  

noun

Biology.

1. the sexual reproductive cell at any stage from the primordial cell to the mature gamete.

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germ cell British  

noun

1. a sexual reproductive cell; gamete Compare somatic cell

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germ cell Scientific  

1. One of the diploid cells in the reproductive organs of a multicellular organism that undergo division and are the precursors of haploid gametes, such as a spermatogonium or oogonium.

2. See gamete

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Etymology

Origin of germ cell

First recorded in 1850–55

Example Sentences

Her only physical abnormalities, it seemed, were mild brain inflammation and a teratoma—a rare kind of germ cell tumor—in her ovary.

From Science Magazine • May 15, 2024

In male germ cell, sperm formation follows the completion of meiosis, with multiple gene regulatory programs.

From Science Daily • May 1, 2024

Hess announced last October after experiencing chest tightness and shortness of breath that a cancerous germ cell tumor was found sitting in the center of his chest, pressing against his heart and lungs.

From Seattle Times • Jun. 7, 2022

One possible explanation is that the DNA repair response is different in germ cell meiotic M phase compared to mitotic M phase in cultured cells.

From Nature • Aug. 1, 2017

The Care of the Mother During the Embryonic Period Determines Largely the Future Welfare of the Child In common with every organism the infant develops from a single germ cell of almost microscopic size.

From Parent and Child Volume III., Child Study and Training by Hall, Mosiah